Matthew the Apostle is an important figure in the Bible. He was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and wrote the first book of the New Testament, known as the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew’s unique background as a tax collector gives us a different perspective on Jesus’ teachings and miracles. His life shows us that anyone can be called by God, no matter their past.
Today, we will look at some key Bible verses that mention Matthew. These verses not only highlight his role as a disciple but also help us understand his journey of faith. By studying these passages, we can learn valuable lessons about following Jesus and being part of His mission.
Bible Verses About Matthew The Apostle
Matthew 9:9
“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” – Matthew 9:9
This verse reveals the moment when Jesus calls Matthew, who was a tax collector, to become His disciple. It illustrates Jesus’ power to transform lives, regardless of one’s profession or past actions. Matthew responded immediately to this calling, showing us the importance of obedience and faith in responding to God’s invitation.
Matthew 10:3
“Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus.” – Matthew 10:3
In this passage, we see Matthew listed among the twelve apostles. His inclusion among Jesus’ chosen followers signifies that all are welcome in God’s kingdom. It emphasizes that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to fulfill His divine purpose.
Matthew 28:16-20
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'” – Matthew 28:16-20
This great commission shows Jesus sending out His disciples, including Matthew, to spread the Gospel. It highlights the mission of the church to share the message of Christ to the world, reminding us that we have the responsibility to teach and lead others to faith.
Matthew 11:19
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” – Matthew 11:19
This verse mentions Matthew’s former occupation and highlights Jesus’ association with those who were marginalized. It reveals Jesus’ willingness to reach out to those considered unworthy. We see that Jesus came for everyone, including those who might feel distant from God, which Matthew represents in this context.
Luke 5:27-28
“After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. ‘Follow me,’ Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.” – Luke 5:27-28
This passage, while referring to Matthew by his other name, Levi, illustrates the moment of his calling from a life of collecting taxes to being a disciple of Christ. It emphasizes the transformative power of following Jesus, as Matthew left everything behind to pursue a new life filled with purpose and meaning.
Mark 2:14
“As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.” – Mark 2:14
This verse mirrors the account in Matthew and reinforces the idea of immediate response. It shows Jesus’ capacity to see potential in individuals, inviting them into a life of service and devotion. Matthew’s response encourages us to be ready to follow God’s calling at any moment.
Acts 1:13
“When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas son of James.” – Acts 1:13
This verse lists Matthew among the disciples after Jesus’ ascension. It signifies that he was part of the early church community, actively involved in spreading the teachings of Jesus. It highlights the importance of community and fellowship in our walk of faith.
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
This verse speaks to the role of believers as carriers of light in the world. As a disciple, Matthew was called to reflect Jesus’ light to others. This calling extends to us today, encouraging us to shine brightly in our actions and words, guiding others toward God.
Matthew 9:10
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.” – Matthew 9:10
This verse illustrates Matthew’s choice to bring together friends from his past with Jesus. It demonstrates Matthew’s desire to share his new life with others who might need the same transformation he experienced. It emphasizes the call to reach out to those who need hope.
Matthew 12:1
“At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath; his disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them.” – Matthew 12:1
This verse emphasizes the real-life experiences that the disciples, including Matthew, encountered while walking with Jesus. It shows the humanity of Jesus and His disciples and their reliance on one another in fulfilling their mission. It reminds us of the importance of community in faith.
Matthew 13:10-11
“The disciples came to him and asked, ‘Why do you speak to the people in parables?’ He replied, ‘Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.'” – Matthew 13:10-11
This passage shows the relationship between Jesus and His disciples, including Matthew, as they learn and grow. It demonstrates Jesus’ intention to share deep truths with those who sincerely seek Him. It reminds us of the need for a personal relationship with Christ to understand His ways.
Matthew 14:29
“‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” – Matthew 14:29
This verse illustrates an important moment of faith and trust as Peter steps out of the boat. While it’s not directly about Matthew, it shows the atmosphere of faith Jesus cultivated among His disciples. It encourages us all to take bold steps in our faith journey, just like Peter did.
Matthew 15:32
“Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.'” – Matthew 15:32
In this verse, Jesus shows His compassion and concern for the people. It emphasizes that His disciples, including Matthew, learn to care for others just as Jesus does. This reminds us of our call to serve and extend love to those in need around us.
Matthew 16:13
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?'” – Matthew 16:13
This passage illustrates a moment of questioning and revelation among the disciples, including Matthew. It highlights the importance of knowing who Jesus is and encourages us to seek our own understanding of His identity. We are called to explore our relationship with Christ and what He means for our lives.
Matthew 17:1
“After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.” – Matthew 17:1
This verse highlights the special moments Jesus shared with some of His disciples, excluding Matthew. It reminds us that every disciple has a unique experience with Jesus. It emphasizes that while each of us has our own journey, Jesus is present with all of us in our walks of faith.
Matthew 21:1
“As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her.'” – Matthew 21:1
This verse showcases Jesus’ authority and foreknowledge. Although it doesn’t mention Matthew directly, it shows that all disciples are part of His greater plan. We learn that we are all called to play a role in God’s work, no matter how small it may seem.
Matthew 22:34-40
“Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Matthew 22:34-40
This passage presents Jesus’ teachings on love, which are central to Matthew’s message throughout the Gospel. It reflects the importance of loving God and one another. As disciples, including Matthew, we are called to embody and share this love in our daily lives, encouraging others to do the same.
Matthew 27:32
“As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.” – Matthew 27:32
This verse recounts the moment Jesus carries His cross, a pivotal event in the Gospel. While Matthew may not be directly involved, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for our salvation. It illustrates the weight of discipleship and the call to accept our own crosses and follow Jesus devotedly.
Matthew 28:1
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.” – Matthew 28:1
This verse sets the stage for the resurrection, an essential element that Matthew emphasizes. It highlights the hope and joy that the resurrection brings, reminding us that as disciples, we too are part of this miraculous story of salvation and renewal.
Matthew 28:9
“Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.” – Matthew 28:9
This moment shows the joy of encountering the risen Jesus. It highlights the reverence and worship we owe to Christ as His followers. For Matthew, this encounter reinforces the importance of worship in our lives as a response to the greatness of God and His works.
Matthew 28:20
“And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
This final verse reassures us of Jesus’ promise to be with His disciples, including Matthew, until the end. It serves as a reminder that we are never alone in our journey. His presence gives us strength and courage as we fulfill our call to lead others to Him.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the life and verses about Matthew the Apostle, we recognize his journey from a tax collector to a devoted disciple of Jesus. His immediate response to follow Christ challenges us to also respond to God’s call without hesitation. Matthew’s story encourages us to embrace our identity as part of God’s family, regardless of our past.
We learn that love, compassion, and community are at the heart of our faith. As Matthew experienced, we are called to share this love with others. The lessons in these verses guide us on our path to serve and uplift those around us.
Let us continue exploring the teachings of Jesus and how they apply to our lives. Consider delving into some thought-provoking topics like the best Bible verses or reflect on the costs of being a Christian to deepen our understanding even more.